New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens has been in MLB for eight years. In that time, he has never had an OPS above .750 or an OPS+ above 107. Torrens has primarily been a backup catcher with limited offensive output.
That said, in 11 games so far this season for the Mets, Torrens is flipping the script. So far, he is slashing .333/.375/.567 for a .942 OPS. He's also recorded five extra base hits and driven in five runs. While filling in for the injured Francisco Alvarez, Torrens has thrived in his opportunity. But that opportunity may soon come to an end despite his impressive start.
Alvarez is currently on a rehab assignment with the hopes of returning to the big leagues soon. Tom Hanslin of SNY recently revealed the latest injury news on the right-handed slugger:
“As for Alvarez, he played his second rehab game alongside McNeil (third total) and threw out a runner trying to steal second in the sixth inning. Mendoza recently said the plan is for the 23-year-old backstop to travel back to Citi Field on Monday for doctor evaluation and then join McNeil for Tuesday action with Triple-A Syracuse.”
With Alvarez's return nearing, the Mets are faced with a difficult decision on how to allocate the catcher duties. While Alvarez is the incumbent starter, Torrens' bat is hard for Carlos Mendoza to take out of the lineup right now. His hot streak has greatly helped a sluggish Mets offense to begin the season.
Sitting atop the NL East at 10-5, New York begins a two-game set with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.
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